The Thunder vs. the Bobcats 3/17/10
There are times when you have to step-up and say “this is my place” and then prove it. The ‘Cats did just that with a hard-fought victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bobcats, without All-Star Gerald Wallace, overcame a miserable first quarter to beat the Thunder. They still shot a lousy 65.6% from the free throw line, but had energy and defense that was lacking the previous night against the Pacers. Stephen Graham had another stellar night, scoring 19 points and 5 rebounds. Stephen Jackson was a strong second half presence for the ‘Cats scoring 18 of his 20 points when the game was on the line. Graham has certainly established his position as a reliable back-up while filling in for the injured Gerald Wallace, equaling his career record of 19 points. The Thunder have a very talented, athletic, and energetic group of players but the Bobcats said “this is our place” and controlled the fourth quarter!
Raymond Felton had a big night with 17 points and 7 assists with no turn-overs. One of the Bobcat killers, turn-overs, was cut in half from the previous night’s game. Every NBA team gives themselves a chance to win if they can keep TOs under ten and the ‘Cats had only nine for the game. Free-throws, the other ‘Cats killer, was a miserable 65.6% and has to be a concern as the Bobcats continue their play-off surge. The win gives the Bobcats a chance to gain a game on the Bucks (playing LA Clippers), but they remain in sixth place in the East at this writing. The Charlotte team expects All-Star forward Gerald Wallace to return for their next game when they visit the Atlanta Hawks.
The Good:
Stephen Graham.
Limited turn-overs (9).
Stephen Jackson with 18 second-half points.
Raymond Felton with 17 points, 7 assists, 0 turn-overs.
The Bad:
The first quarter.
The Ugly:
Free-throw shooting (21-32, 65.6%).
Next game for the Bobcats: Wednesday 3/19/10 7:30pm at Atlanta Hawks



